Are all controllers compatible with a rain sensor?

Not all controllers are compatible with rain sensors. It is important to make sure you are looking for a rain sensor that is compatible with the controller you have purchased. If you need assistance finding the correct rain sensor for your controller on our website, don’t hesitate to ask! 

What if I want more zones in my controller? 

You are in luck! Depending on the controller you have purchased, there may be an expansion module that is compatible with your controller. Drip Depot carries a variety of expansion modules that you can look through and make your selection.

If you need assistance finding an expansion module for your controller, let us know! Our Happiness Heroes are more than happy to help find the right part for your project. 

How far can my controller be from my wifi if I plan on using it? 

As a general rule of thumb, wifi signals average up to 150' in an indoor setting and possibly up to 300' in an outdoor setting, but every obstacle (door, window, wall, tree, shrub, etc...) between the wifi router and the controller reduces this. 

You can test your signal strength with other wifi devices (smartphone or ipad) by standing at the location where the controller will be and see if you have at minimum 2-3 bars of service.

Can I use a wifi controller without wifi? 

The majority of wifi compatible controllers will still allow you to use the controller if you do not have wifi available. Many manufacturers will even go as far as making the controller entirely programmable off wifi.

If you are concerned whether or not your controller will work without wifi, an excellent resource to check is the user manual for the controller you are interested in. More often than not manufacturers will include guides in the manual for their wifi compatible controllers with step by step instructions on how to use the device offline. 

Do I need an electrician to install this controller?

If you are concerned about whether or not you will be able to install your controller, a good way to get an idea of what to expect is to check out the user manuals linked on the product description pages for each controller. 

Many people find that once they’ve read the installation process for the controller they are contemplating purchasing, they have a better understanding of what to expect once their product arrives, and as well get a better grasp of what challenges they may experience in the installation process. 

If, after checking out the user manual for the controller you are interested in, you find yourself still feeling uncomfortable with the thought of installing the controller yourself, by all means, enlist the help of a professional. We always recommend what feels best for yourself and your project! 

Why does my controller not have a wall plug-in? 

Not all controllers come with a wall plug-in. Some controllers, such as the Hunter Pro-C, require you to hardwire it directly to a transformer/power supply to use the controller. By hardwiring the controller to a transformer, there is no need for a power cord/wall adapter. 

Transformer Example                                                                                                    AC Power Cord Adapter Example

Otherwise, if you need to plug the controller into the wall via a wall adapter, you can hardwire the controller to a compatible AC power plug-in.

Are solenoids specific to the manufacturer? 

Solenoids are manufacturer specific. If you are struggling to find the right replacement solenoid for your valve, please let us know by contacting support@dripdepot.com - We’re always happy to help!